This post is aimed at anyone who is unaware and thinking about raising Venture Capital. I know of several business associates over the years who have looked at VC funding but ended up very disappointed. It's really not as easy as it sounds or gives any guarantee of successful funding.
There are many sources out there in the UK that will take you on-board free, some will charge you £10,000 just to prepare you for presentation to the real lenders - remember VC's don't actually have any money. They borrow from someone else, usually a secret cartel of lenders, so you never know where the money comes from.
I know from hearing other people's experiences it's also easier to borrow £20m or £200m than £20k or £200k. Big lenders and most VC's are not interested in 'seed capital' but will see and probably help you if there's large amounts involved.
Do your own product or service analysis, business plan and 'due diligance' about your company and then, if you're absolutely certain and provided you need a suitably large amount, talk to a City finance house to get their interest and possible funding. There are also some independent 'champions' around that will help you on an impartial individual basis. If what you have is very commercial, look at someone in that industry to help sponsor you. Think of a possible joint venture too.
You may have to be prepared to share some or even all of your equity in the idea with total strangers who fund you, but in the end 10% of something may be better than 100% of nothing.
Be determined but careful.
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